European football: 4 veterans still going strong

The footballing world is blessed with players that can produce consistent performances day in, day out - but then there are those which are still producing into the more tender ages, here we take a look at those players.

Kicking the list off with a very obvious choice: Francesco Totti.

Already speaking about him in a previous article, I can never have too many good things to say about the Roma captain and legend. At 37 it does seem he has been around for a long time, which shows, but in a very positive way.

There are strengths you can develop only by simply playing the game and learning, which Totti certainly has done a lot of. Traditionally in a playmaker role, he has gathered the experience to pick out killer passes, defence beating crosses and still strikes a thunderous shot.

This proven by the fact he has had 12 appearances with a further four substitutions this season, scoring five goals and assisting seven, which is currently one of the main reasons why his club are flying high in second place in Serie A - showing the old fox still has it.

Moving on to another Italian legend and well-traveled striker: Luca Toni.

The former teammate of Totti seems to never lose his eye for goal, standing at 6ft 4in, he is renowned for his targetman-like playing. Now at 36 he is playing his football at freshly promoted club Verona, still showing he has the ability to thrive at apparently any team, in any circumstance.

Holding the ball up, pushing the attack forward, bringing his peers into play and even banging in the goals himself, he has been vital to Verona's success this season.

Consistently remaining up in the top seven all season, bearing in mind again - just promoted for the first time in 11 years, it has been no secret that Toni contributed towards this hugely. 20 appearances, 11 goals and six assists show that, with no signs of him slowing down any time soon.

It seems Serie A has an air of magic for preserving the ability in players as they advance in the years, with our next example being that of Inter legend and captain: Javier Zanetti.

Playing for the Nerazzurri since 1995, he is certainly no stranger to the most elite opposition across Europe - picking up a Champions League winners medal, lifting the UEFA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup as well as five consecutive Serie A champions medals, four Coppa Italias and four Supercoppa Italianas.

Still playing a very effective role at his typical right-back and holding midfield positions and at a very impressive 40 years of age, he goes down as one of the all-time greats. A true gentleman on and off the pitch, a well respected player and someone that deserves to be named in the FIFA 100... and he is still going.

Somewhere closer to home now, we move on to another 40 year old legend that is still effective for his club: Ryan Giggs.

A Manchester United player since his youth days in 1987, he seems to only adapt to the physicality of the league and adapts it to his own physicality. Once being a flying winger that could beat Europe's best defenders with sheer pace - to a slower, clever and superior with his vision play-maker, he is another like Totti that has only learned through his years of experience.

Passing this on to younger players, he is now a player-coach at United showing he still has a lot to give, not only by how he leads by example on the pitch, but with his pure wisdom. Another player with a massive trophy collection to his name, "Giggsy" will always remain one of the United greats.

With more players around Europe heading in the same direction of hero status at an older age, with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Xavi, John Terry, Sebastian Kehl and many more still thriving, it's only a matter of time before this list continues to grow.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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